EP3969981B1 - Portable computer device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a portable computer device, having an upper device unit with a display device, a lower device unit with an input device, and a connection device for connecting the upper device unit to the lower device unit.

A large number of portable computer devices are known from the prior art.

So reveals the US 6,665,175 B1 discloses a computer monitor movably attached to a keyboard that can be moved away from the keyboard and adjusted in terms of its orientation with respect to a user's viewing angle. The disadvantage of this solution is that rotary knobs are used to enable the computer monitor to be locked in a specific position in a support rod.

Furthermore, from the U.S. 6,504,707 B2 an electronic terminal is known in which a keyboard and a screen are connected to each other by means of a special frame arranged in a cover. A disadvantage of this solution is the way in which the computer monitor is locked in place, since a frame arrangement arranged in a housing cover is used for this purpose, which is heavy and also requires a high level of structural complexity.

The U.S. 2006/0256512 A1 further discloses an electronic device in which a keyboard and a screen are connected to one another by means of arms in such a way that the screen can be pivoted. This solution has the disadvantage that only an extremely limited adjustability of the height of the screen is provided and that the screen makes input using a keyboard difficult in certain states.

From the US 2004/0228077 A1 a solution is known in which a screen and a keyboard are connected to one another by means of rails, but without a screen being able to be pivoted.

The US 6,262,885 B1 discloses a portable computing device comprising a processing unit coupled to a keyboard, a recording medium and a display, wherein the keyboard and the recording medium form part of a support structure of the device and are generally oriented in different directions. In this case, the recording medium is set up to receive input from a pen that is operated by a user. The display is movably mounted about the support structure to selectively accommodate use of the display in conjunction with the keyboard or use of the display in conjunction with the pen and recording medium, an extendable arm may be used to connect the display to the support structure connect.

The US 6,532,147 B1 discloses a portable computer having a display attached to a base with one or more flexible hinges to provide flexibility in operational positions of the display relative to the base. The screen is pivotally connected to the hinges so that the screen can be positioned either face up or face down over the base or on top of the base.

The U.S. 2006/0039104 A1 discloses a notebook computer with an adjustable monitor comprising a host, a monitor and a connection device connecting the host and the monitor. The functions of the connection device allow the monitor to be freely positioned in relation to the host, accordingly the monitor can be viewed in different environments at a reasonable distance with a comfortable viewing angle.

The U.S. 2007/0183123 A1 discloses a portable electronic device comprising a base, a body and a connection mechanism, the body having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface facing the base. The link mechanism rotatably connects the base and the body and rotates relative to the base at a certain angle, with the body rotating relative to the link mechanism so that the second surface faces the base.

In order to be able to resolve the existing conflict between the required high level of mobility and lightness of a terminal on the one hand and good ergonomics on the other, a terminal is required which enables users to adopt a healthy posture and is compact in design.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing a portable terminal device which prevents a user from having an unhealthy, hunched-over posture without having to accept any losses in terms of the mobility of the terminal device.

The technical solution proposed by the present invention is a portable computer device comprising an upper device unit with a display device, a lower device unit with an input device, and a connecting device for connecting the upper device unit to the lower device unit. The connecting device comprises a first connecting element, which is pivotably attached at a first end to a first side of the upper device unit and at a second end to a first side of the lower device unit, with pivotability of up to 360 degrees being provided in each case, and a second connecting element, which is pivotably attached at a first end to a second side of the upper device unit and at a second end to a second side of the lower device unit, with pivotability of up to 360 degrees being provided in each case, the first connecting element and the second Connecting element are each telescopically adjustable such that the length of the connecting device is adjustable.

The invention makes use in particular of the finding that the display device can be flexibly positioned. It is no longer necessary for the hands to be ergonomically placed on the keyboard with the arms bent at a 90° angle, but for the eyes to be relatively far away from the display device, making it difficult or impossible to capture these details can. Instead, the solution according to the invention allows a laptop to be used in tablet mode without the keyboard interfering with operation or being damaged, as is the case with a conventional 360° joint.

1. 1. Die optimierte Ergonomie erlaubt eine gerade Sitzhaltung mit im rechten Winkel angeordneten Armen, wobei die Händen auf der Tastatur aufliegen, und gleichzeitig eine kürzere Distanz der Anzeigeflächen zum Nutzer für eine ausreichende Nähe zu den Augen.
2. 2. Eine leichte Bauweise dient einer hohen Mobilität.
3. 3. Vielfache Anwendungsfelder für produktives Schreiben (im Laptop-Modus), bequemes interaktives Konsumieren (im Tablet-Modus), Zeichnen und Konstruieren oder das Bedienen von Spezialsoftware wie beispielsweise Videoschnitt (mittels einer virtuellen Tastatur), Lesen bei Sonnenlicht (E-Reader Modus der virtuellen Tastatur) oder eine vergrößerte Anzeige für Präsentationen (Poster Modus).

The advantages of the design of the terminal according to the invention are as follows:

1. 1. The optimized ergonomics allow for a straight sitting posture with arms at right angles, with hands resting on the keyboard, and at the same time a shorter distance of the display surfaces to the user for sufficient closeness to the eyes.
2. 2. A light construction is used for high mobility.
3. 3. Multiple fields of application for productive writing (in laptop mode), convenient interactive consumption (in tablet mode), drawing and constructing or operating special software such as video editing (using a virtual keyboard), reading in sunlight (e-reader mode). the virtual keyboard) or an enlarged display for presentations (poster mode).

The portable computer device according to the invention resolves a conflict between high mobility and lightness on the one hand and ergonomics on the other. Traditional laptops combine the keyboard and optical output, leaving users prone to an unhealthy hunched-over posture, particularly because while the hands are ergonomically placed on the keyboard while the arms are bent at about 90 degrees, the eyes are relatively far away so that eyes can hardly or not see details. The solution according to the invention provides flexible positioning of the optical display and also allows a laptop to be used as a so-called tablet without the keyboard interfering with operation or being damaged, as is otherwise the case with a 360-degree joint.

In order to be able to cover different applications, several different end devices have usually been used up to now. In addition to a laptop, this is primarily a so-called smartphone. This necessitates regular synchronization of the end devices, for example using so-called cloud services. Instead of independent data processing modules (CPU, GPU), data communication and data storage, a terminal device can be reduced to just a few data input and data output modules for ergonomic and productive activities and supporting data processing and data storage can be reduced by pairing the end device with a smartphone.

• Untere Geräteeinheit als primäre Eingabeeinheit mit
  • ∘ virtueller oder physikalischer Tastatur,
  • ∘ kombinierter oder separater Fläche für eine Gestensteuerung,
  • ∘ Batterieeinheit zur Stromversorgung des selben Geräts und verbundener Geräte oder verbundenem Zubehör,
  • ∘ Schnittstellen zur Datenkommunikation und Stromversorgung,
  • ∘ optionaler Mono- oder Stereo-Tonausgabe,
  • ∘ optionaler Mono- oder Stereo-Toneingabe,
  • ∘ optionaler Datenverarbeitungskomponente (CPU, GPU),
  • ∘ optionaler Datenkommunikationskomponente,
  • ∘ optionaler Datenspeicherkomponente, und
  • ∘ optionaler rückseitige Kamera auf der Unterseite,
• obere Geräteeinheit als primäre Ausgabeeinheit mit
  • ∘ optischer Anzeigevorrichtung, und
  • ∘ optionaler Kamera,
• teleskopierbare Verbindungsvorrichtung, insbesondere Teleskopschiene mit beweglicher, um 360° beweglicher Befestigung an den beiden Geräteeinheiten und -seiten
  • ∘ mit Stromversorgung und Datenkommunikation zwischen den beiden Geräteeinheiten,
• optionale magnetische Anziehung der oberen und unteren Geräteeinheit
  • ∘ am rückseitigen Rand zur einfacheren Fixierung und Stabilität im einfach geöffneten Zustand, und
  • ∘ am vorderseitigen Rand zum einfacheren Schließen und zur Erhöhung der Stabilität im geschlossenen Zustand.

With the portable computer device according to the invention, a mobile terminal is provided as an ergonomic human-machine interface of a system for data processing and communication with the following properties:

• Lower device unit as primary input unit with
  • ∘ virtual or physical keyboard,
  • ∘ combined or separate area for gesture control,
  • ∘ Battery unit to power the same device and connected devices or connected accessories,
  • ∘ Interfaces for data communication and power supply,
  • ∘ optional mono or stereo sound output,
  • ∘ optional mono or stereo audio input,
  • ∘ optional data processing component (CPU, GPU),
  • ∘ optional data communication component,
  • ∘ optional data storage component, and
  • ∘ optional rear camera on the bottom,
• upper unit as the primary output unit
  • ∘ visual indicator, and
  • ∘ optional camera,
• Telescopic connecting device, in particular telescopic rail with a movable attachment that can be moved through 360° on the two device units and sides
  • ∘ with power supply and data communication between the two device units,
• optional magnetic attraction of the upper and lower unit
  • ∘ on the back edge for easier fixation and stability when simply opened, and
  • ∘ on the front edge for easier closure and to increase stability when closed.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the first connecting element of the connecting device and the second connecting element of the connecting device are each designed as telescopic rails. Telescopic rails allow easy adjustment in length and have a low dead weight. In addition, telescopic rails can be easily mounted on the upper device unit and the lower device unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the telescopic rail has a locking means for fixing a manually set position. Such a locking means ensures that a set position does not change due to vibrations, which can occur, for example, in mobile use, in particular during train or train journeys.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the telescopic rail comprises a sluggishness means by which the telescopic rail automatically remains in a manually set position up to a definable acting force. This has the advantage that a specific position of the respective telescopic rail can be held securely even without providing additional locking means.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the sluggishness means comprises a rubber profile and/or a hydraulic device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the upper device unit has a first attraction device that is arranged or formed at least in sections along the first side of the upper device unit and along the second side of the upper device unit, and the lower device unit has a first attraction device that is arranged or formed at least in sections along the first side of the lower equipment unit and along the second side of the lower equipment unit arranged or formed second attraction device, wherein the first attraction device cooperates with the second attraction device. As a result, the upper device unit is held securely together with the lower device unit, which is particularly advantageous when the computer device is not in use and folded up, or when the computer device is used in tablet mode.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, provision is made for the first attraction device to interact with the second attraction device by means of magnetic force.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a cylinder hinge is provided to connect the respective end of the respective connecting element to the upper device unit or to the lower device unit. A cylinder hinge makes it possible in a simple manner to connect one end of a connecting element to the upper device unit or the lower device unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the display device is designed to be touch-sensitive and is also provided for the input of information. With such a display, the portable computing device can be used in a tablet mode in which the upper unit is rotated 180 degrees compared to a closed state.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the input device of the lower device unit has at least one touch-sensitive area included. In contrast to an input device having bumps, for example a conventional keyboard, such a solution does not interfere in a tablet mode. The touch-sensitive surface can preferably be switched to be inactive.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one touch-sensitive surface of the input device of the lower device unit includes a sensor for gesture control of the computer device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one touch-sensitive surface of the input device of the lower device unit comprises a virtual keyboard. In this way the terminal can provide different keyboards for different languages. In this case, the virtual keyboard can confirm a keystroke, for example by vibration and/or an acoustic signal. Alternatively, other input options may also be displayed, for example specific to video editing, photo editing and/or music production or instruments.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the virtual keyboard is a backlit keyboard. This simplifies use in poor lighting conditions. Individual elements of the virtual keyboard can preferably be illuminated as a function of elements displayed on the display device.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the virtual keyboard is an e-ink keyboard. Such a keyboard is extremely economical in terms of energy consumption and enables viewing independent of the viewing angle, even in poor lighting conditions.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the input device designed as an e-ink keyboard is also provided for the output of information. In this way, the total area available for the output can be increased, since the input device is also used for this purpose in addition to the output device.

The lower device unit advantageously comprises a virtual or physical keyboard, a combined or separate surface as the primary input unit for gesture control, a battery unit for powering the computing device and connected devices or connected accessories, an interface for data communication and power supply, a means for optional mono or stereo sound output, a means for optional mono or stereo sound input, an optional data processing component such as CPU (CPU: Central Processing Unit) and/or GPU (GPU: Graphics Processing Unit), an optional data communication component, an optional data storage component and/or a rear camera.

Advantageously, the upper device unit includes a camera.

In principle, the portable computer device can be built with or without its own computer unit or used as such (accessory mode). In this case, another end device, for example a smartphone or a smart watch, serves as the central processing unit, which is connected to the device via cable or radio, for example Miracast. Another variant is a computing unit to support data, sound and image processing with one or more CPUs and/or GPUs (hybrid mode).

The advantage of using it purely as an input and output unit is that there is no need to synchronize data when changing the context of use. This significantly reduces the complexity of the overall system of operating system, programs and services that today require external cloud services, synchronization runs and event handling.

According to the current state of the art, the need for the core functions of data and information processing systems, the input, processing, retrieval, output and sharing or distribution of data representing data, is not only served by a large number of technical structures of a single one data processing system, but a multitude of data processing systems. The number has also increased here. In addition to stationary systems (especially so-called desktop computers), mobile systems of various sizes are in use, ranging from mobile (especially so-called laptops) to lightweight (especially so-called tablets) to handy (especially so-called smart phones) and even portable devices (especially so-called wearables), who are often just as independent and work disconnected. Services available via a network, in particular so-called cloud services, are intended to close this gap, but do not reduce the variety of end devices and even increase the variety for the input, processing and/or retrieval of data representing information.

Although the data and information processing systems known in the prior art allow ever lighter, smaller and at the same time more powerful terminals, they also lead to an increasing ergonomic paradox. Even a mobile computer (in particular a so-called laptop) with a keyboard and display connected via a joint leads to the incompatibility of a correct posture on the part of the user. Handy devices (in particular so-called smart phones), on the other hand, are hardly suitable for displaying long texts and certainly not for entering them. Here, too, an incompatibility with a healthy, correct posture on the part of the user is recognizable and given with long-term use. Finally, portable end devices (in particular so-called wearables) such as watches (in particular so-called smart watches) offer hardly any possibility of displaying or even entering data representing information. Many system manufacturers therefore rely on natural language interaction with data processing systems and overlook the importance of written language and the possibility of processing and displaying information representing data that cannot be conveyed via voice output. These systems, in turn, add diversity, rather than providing an integral concept, to reduce diversity and complexity in favor of actual user needs.

The end device described here resolves a conflict between high mobility and lightness on the one hand and ergonomics on the other. Traditional laptops combine keyboard and optical output, so users tend to adopt an unhealthy, hunched-over posture, because while the hands are ergonomically placed on the keyboard while the arm is bent 90 degrees, the eyes are relatively far away, allowing them to see details difficult or impossible to grasp. One solution is the flexible positioning of the visual display. It also allows a laptop to be used as a tablet without the keyboard interfering with operation or being damaged, as is the case with a 360° joint.

In order to reduce different use cases, several different end devices are usually used today, in addition to a laptop, this is primarily a smartphone. This requires regular synchronization, for example through cloud services. Instead of independent modules for data processing (CPU, GPU), data communication and data storage, an end device can be reduced to a few modules for file and output as well as supporting data processing and storage for ergonomic and productive activities by coupling the end device to a smartphone .

• System mit mehreren, vorzugsweise verteilten Endgeräten, die jeweils mindestens eine der folgenden Eigenschaften besitzen und in ihrer Kombination zumindest die ersten vier Eigenschaften abdecken:
  • ∘ Eine oder mehrere, vorzugsweise (verteilte) Recheneinheiten (CPU, GPU),
  • ∘ eine oder mehrere, vorzugsweise verteilte Speichereinheiten,
  • ∘ mindestens eine Eingabeeinheit
    • ▪ mit physikalischen oder virtuellen Tasten und/oder Gestensteuerung und/oder Ton- oder Spracheingabe,
  • ∘ mindestens einer AV Ausgabeeinheit,
  • ∘ optionalen Anschlüssen (USB-C, microSD)
  • ∘ optionales Funkmodul zur Kommunikation über die Systemgrenzen hinaus in WAN, LAN oder Mobilfunknetzen
• Die Endgeräte besitzen jeweils ein Funkmodul für die Kommunikation mit anderen Endgeräten des Systems in einem lokalen Netz für die
  • ∘ Verteilung von Rechenleistung
  • o Verteilung von Speicher
    • ▪ für die Berechnung oder Speicherung einschließlich Archivierung und Kopien (Auto-Backup) von Daten.

In combination with a mobile end device, a network of end devices is created. This system is characterized by the following properties:

• System with several, preferably distributed terminals, each of which has at least one of the following properties and, when combined, cover at least the first four properties:
  • ∘ One or more, preferably (distributed) computing units (CPU, GPU),
  • ∘ one or more, preferably distributed storage units,
  • ∘ at least one input unit
    • ▪ with physical or virtual buttons and/or gesture control and/or sound or voice input,
  • ∘ at least one AV output unit,
  • ∘ optional ports (USB-C, microSD)
  • ∘ Optional wireless module for communication beyond the system boundaries in WAN, LAN or mobile networks
• The terminals each have a radio module for communication with other terminals of the system in a local network for the
  • ∘ Distribution of computing power
  • o Distribution of memory
    • ▪ for calculation or storage including archiving and copies (auto-backup) of data.

The system uses a highly mobile end device as the user's personal, central processing unit and data store. It can be designed, for example, as a watch, belt buckle or smartphone. This central processing unit with data storage communicates with an audio-visual input and output unit, as well as other end devices for data input and control, as well as the expanded computing and data capacities.

1. 1. Ein hochmobiles Endgerät mit
   • ∘ Recheneinheit
   • ∘ Datenspeichereinheit
   • ∘ Funkmodul zur Übertragung
     • ▪ von AV Signalen von und an weitere Endgeräte,
     • ▪ von Steuersignalen von und an weitere Endgeräte,
     • ▪ von weiteren Daten an und von weiteren Endgeräten,
     • ▪ von Rechenoperationen von und an weitere Endgeräte,
   • ∘ Eingabeeinheit mit
     • ▪ berührungsempfindlicher Fläche (TouchPad),
     • ▪ berührungsempfindlichen Seitenrändern (TouchBars),
     • ▪ optionaler visueller Anzeige;
2. 2. ein mobiles Endgerät mit
   • ∘ mindestens einer AV Ein- und Ausgabeeinheit mit
     • ▪ visueller Anzeige
     • ▪ Audio-Ausgabe,
     • ▪ optionaler Videoeingabe über Kamera,
     • ▪ optionaler Audio-Eingabe über mindestens ein Mikrophon,
   • ∘ einem Funkmodul zur Übertragung
     • ▪ von Daten von und an das zentrale Endgerät,
     • ▪ von Steuersignalen von und an das zentrale Endgerät,
   • ∘ einer vorzugsweise optionalen Recheneinheit zur Aufbereitung der Signale;
3. 3. ein vorzugsweise optionales weiteres oder kombiniertes mobiles Endgerät mit
   • ∘ einer physikalischen oder vorzugsweise virtuellen Tastatur,
   • ∘ einer berührungsempfindlichen Fläche (TouchPad),
   • ∘ einem Funkmodul zur Übertragung
     • ▪ von Daten von und an das zentrale Endgerät,
     • ▪ von Steuersignalen von und an das zentrale Endgerät,
     • ▪ optional von AV Signalen von und an weitere Endgeräte,
     • ▪ optional von Daten an und von weiteren Endgeräten,
     • ▪ optional von Rechenoperationen von und an weitere Endgeräte,
   • ∘ einer vorzugsweise optionalen Recheneinheit
     • ▪ zur Übernahme von Rechenoperationen des zentralen Endgeräts,
   • ∘ einer vorzugsweise optionalen Konnektivität
     • ▪ zu weiteren Endgeräten (USB-C),
     • ▪ zu Speichereinheiten (SD),
4. 4. ein vorzugsweise optionales weiteres, vorzugsweise stationäres Endgerät mit
   • ∘ einer Recheneinheit
     • ▪ für die Bereitstellung von Diensten,
     • ▪ optional für die Übernahme von teuren Rechenoperationen,
   • ∘ einem Funkmodul
     • ▪ zur Übertragung von Steuersignalen von weiteren Endgeräten,
     • ▪ zur Übertragung von Daten an und von weiteren Endgeräten,
     • ▪ für Datenkommunikation mit einem WAN und/oder LAN,
     • ▪ optional zur Übertragung von AV Signalen von und an weitere Endgeräte,
     • ▪ optional zur Übertragung von Rechenoperationen von und an weitere Endgeräte,
   • ∘ einer Speichereinheit
     • ▪ für die Auslagerung von Daten des zentralen Endgeräts,
     • ▪ für die Sicherung (Backup) von Daten des zentralen Endgeräts,
5. 5. ein vorzugsweise optionales weiteres, vorzugsweise stationäres Endgerät mit
   • ∘ mindestens einer AV Ausgabeeinheit
     • ▪ zur großflächigen, transparenten Bild- und Video-Anzeige,
     • ▪ zur Wiedergabe von Audio-Signalen,
   • ∘ einer vorzugsweise optionalen AV Eingabeeinheit,
   • ∘ einer vorzugsweise optionalen Recheneinheit
     • ▪ für die Aufbereitung von AV Signalen,
     • ▪ für die Übernahme teurer bzw. kostenintensiver Rechenoperationen,
   • ∘ einem Funkmodul für die Übertragung
     • ▪ mindestens von AV Signalen von weiteren Endgeräten,
     • ▪ optional von AV Signalen an weitere Endgeräte,
     • ▪ optional von Steuersignalen von und an weitere, Endgeräte,
     • ▪ optional von Daten an und von weiteren Endgeräten,
     • ▪ optional von Rechenoperationen von und an weitere Endgeräte.

Given the system described above, which is characterized by the following properties:

1. 1. A highly mobile device with
   • ∘ Unit of account
   • ∘ Data storage unit
   • ∘ Radio module for transmission
     • ▪ of AV signals from and to other end devices,
     • ▪ of control signals from and to other end devices,
     • ▪ of further data to and from further end devices,
     • ▪ of arithmetic operations from and to other end devices,
   • ∘ Input unit with
     • ▪ touch-sensitive surface (TouchPad),
     • ▪ touch-sensitive side edges (TouchBars),
     • ▪ optional visual display;
2. 2. a mobile device with
   • ∘ at least one AV input and output unit
     • ▪ visual display
     • ▪ audio output,
     • ▪ optional video input via camera,
     • ▪ optional audio input via at least one microphone,
   • ∘ a radio module for transmission
     • ▪ of data from and to the central end device,
     • ▪ of control signals from and to the central terminal,
   • ∘ a preferably optional computing unit for processing the signals;
3. 3. a preferably optional additional or combined mobile terminal device
   • ∘ a physical or preferably virtual keyboard,
   • ∘ a touch-sensitive surface (TouchPad),
   • ∘ a radio module for transmission
     • ▪ of data from and to the central end device,
     • ▪ of control signals from and to the central terminal,
     • ▪ optionally of AV signals from and to other end devices,
     • ▪ optionally of data to and from other end devices,
     • ▪ optionally of arithmetic operations from and to other end devices,
   • ∘ a preferably optional computing unit
     • ▪ to take over arithmetic operations of the central terminal device,
   • ∘ a preferably optional connectivity
     • ▪ to other end devices (USB-C),
     • ▪ to storage units (SD),
4. 4. a preferably optional further, preferably stationary terminal device
   • ∘ a unit of account
     • ▪ for the provision of services,
     • ▪ optional for taking over expensive arithmetic operations,
   • ∘ a radio module
     • ▪ for the transmission of control signals from other end devices,
     • ▪ for the transmission of data to and from other end devices,
     • ▪ for data communication with a WAN and/or LAN,
     • ▪ optionally for the transmission of AV signals from and to other end devices,
     • ▪ optionally for the transmission of arithmetic operations from and to other end devices,
   • ∘ a storage unit
     • ▪ for outsourcing data from the central end device,
     • ▪ for securing (backing up) data from the central end device,
5. 5. a preferably optional further, preferably stationary terminal device
   • ∘ at least one AV output unit
     • ▪ for large-scale, transparent image and video display,
     • ▪ for playback of audio signals,
   • ∘ a preferably optional AV input unit,
   • ∘ a preferably optional computing unit
     • ▪ for the processing of AV signals,
     • ▪ for taking over expensive or cost-intensive computing operations,
   • ∘ a radio module for transmission
     • ▪ at least AV signals from other end devices,
     • ▪ optionally from AV signals to other end devices,
     • ▪ optionally of control signals from and to other end devices,
     • ▪ optionally of data to and from other end devices,
     • ▪ Optional arithmetic operations from and to other end devices.

• einer Smartwatch oder ein Smartphone als zentrale Recheneinheit und Datenspeicher,
• ein Gerät für die Ein- und Ausgabe von AV-Signalen, insbesondere als virtuelle oder physikalische Tastatur,
• einer Speicher- und Kommunikationseinheit (AirBase) im Sinne einer privaten Cloud und
• einer optionalen großflächigen transparenten Anzeige (AirPanel) als Ersatz für heutige Bildschirme.

The system consists of a combination of the following end devices:

• a smartwatch or a smartphone as a central processing unit and data storage device,
• a device for the input and output of AV signals, in particular as a virtual or physical keyboard,
• a storage and communication unit (AirBase) in the sense of a private cloud and
• an optional large-area transparent display (AirPanel) as a replacement for today's screens.

In addition to communication for the exchange of control signals and AV signals, the network of end devices as an overall system is able to exchange data and also computing operations.

• Die zentrale Einheit lagert Daten auf ein anderes Endgerät im Verbund aus, die nicht häufig verwendet werden und/oder ein altes Erstellung- oder Änderungsdatum besitzen,
  • ∘ wobei das System darauf achtet leeren Speicher in einem Umfang relativ zum Gesamtspeicher vorzuhalten,
  • ∘ wobei das System die Information über die Existenz der Datenobjekte vorzugsweise über eine Indexstruktur vorhält,
  • ∘ wobei das System die Entscheidung, welche Datenobjekte ausgelagert werden, nach einer Rangfolge (Ranking) und/oder der letzten zeitlichen Nutzung oder Änderung der Datenobjekte trifft.

Given the system described above, which is characterized by the following properties:

• The central unit stores data that is not used frequently and/or has an old creation or modification date on another end device in the network.
  • ∘ whereby the system takes care to reserve empty memory in an amount relative to the total memory,
  • ∘ whereby the system preferably stores the information about the existence of the data objects via an index structure,
  • ∘ The system makes the decision as to which data objects are to be swapped out based on a ranking and/or the last time the data objects were used or changed.

A ranking formula can use the Modified Time, Usage Frequency, and Last Usage parameters individually or in combination: $$\mathrm{float}\mathrm{score}=\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="sum"\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0004.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">sum</figure-callout>}\left(1/{\mathrm{e}}^{\wedge }\left(\mathrm{now}-\mathrm{timeStampOfUse}*\mathrm{factor}\right)\right)$$

Starting from the highly mobile central unit, the network of end devices can share computing operations.

• Eins der Endgeräte des Verbunds kann eine führende, koordinierende Rolle für Rechenoperationen übernehmen, vorzugsweise die hochmobile zentrale Einheit mit zentralen Datenspeicher,
• wobei teure Rechenoperationen auf ein anderes Endgerät ausgelagert werden können,
• wobei Rechenoperationen direkt auf eine andere Rechnereinheit (Prozessor) übertragen oder auf einen Dienst delegiert werden können,
• wobei das Kriterium das der Auslagerung, Rendering von Bildern und/oder Videos, das Kodieren oder Dekodieren von Dateien, und/oder das Verteilen von Prozessen (Threads) eines Programms oder des Betriebssystems selbst sein kann.

Given the above data processing system with the following properties:

• One of the terminal devices in the network can assume a leading, coordinating role for computing operations, preferably the highly mobile central unit with a central data storage facility,
• whereby expensive arithmetic operations can be outsourced to another end device,
• whereby arithmetic operations can be transferred directly to another computer unit (processor) or delegated to a service,
• whereby the criterion can be that of outsourcing, rendering of images and/or videos, encoding or decoding of files, and/or the distribution of processes (threads) of a program or of the operating system itself.

Fig. 1

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Computergerät in einem ungenutzten Zustand;

Fig. 2

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Computergerät in einem aufgeklappten Zustand gemäß Laptop-Modus;

Fig. 3

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Computergerät in einem aufgeklappten Zustand gemäß Laptop-Modus mit einer zum Nutzer geschwenkten Anzeigevorrichtung;

Fig. 4

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Computergerät in einem aufgeklappten Zustand gemäß Laptop-Modus mit zusätzlich ausgezogenen Verbindungselementen;

Fig. 5

in einer Draufsicht eine Ausgestaltungsvariante für eine erfindungsgemäße virtuelle Tastatur;

Fig. 6

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Computergerät im Poster-Modus;

Fig. 7

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes Computergerät im Tablet-Modus;

Fig. 8a

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein Zylinderscharnier gemäß einer ersten Ausgestaltungsform;

Fig. 8b

in einer Draufsicht das Zylinderscharnier gemäß Fig. 8a;

Fig. 9

in einer perspektivischen Ansicht ein Zylinderscharnier gemäß einer zweiten Ausgestaltungsform;

Further details, features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawings. show:

1

in a perspective view, a computer device according to the invention in an unused state;

2

in a perspective view, a computer device according to the invention in an unfolded state according to laptop mode;

3

in a perspective view, a computer device according to the invention in an unfolded state according to laptop mode with a display device pivoted towards the user;

4

in a perspective view, a computer device according to the invention in an unfolded state according to laptop mode with additional extended connecting elements;

figure 5

in a plan view, an embodiment variant for a virtual keyboard according to the invention;

6

in a perspective view, a computer device according to the invention in poster mode;

7

in a perspective view, a computer device according to the invention in tablet mode;

Figure 8a

in a perspective view, a cylinder hinge according to a first embodiment;

Figure 8b

in a plan view the cylinder hinge according to Figure 8a ;

9

in a perspective view, a cylinder hinge according to a second embodiment;

1 shows a perspective view of a computer device A1 according to the invention in an unused state. The computer device A1 comprises an upper device unit A2 with a display device A3 and a lower device unit A4 with an input device A5. In the present case, the upper device unit A2 and the lower device unit A4 are connected to one another by means of a connecting device. The visible telescopic rail, which acts as a connecting device for connecting the upper and lower sides of the device, is slightly angled.

2 shows a perspective view of a computer device according to the invention in an unfolded state according to a laptop mode. The display device A3 can be seen on the inside of the upper device unit A2 and a surface acting as an A5 input device, which can be used flexibly for a combination of virtual keyboard and gesture control or for creating and editing graphics with a stylus pen.

It can also be seen that the connecting device comprises a first connecting element A6a, which is pivotably attached with a first end A6a-1 to a first side A2a of the upper device unit A2 and with a second end A6a-2 to a first side A4a of the lower device unit A4 is, with a pivotability of up to 360 degrees is given. Furthermore, the connecting device comprises a second connecting element A6b, which is pivotably attached with a first end A6b-1 to a second side A2b of the upper device unit A2 and with a second end A6b-2 to a second side A4b of the lower device unit A4, with each a pivotability of up to 360 degrees is given. The first connecting element A6a and the second connecting element A6b are each telescopically adjustable such that the length of the connecting device is adjustable as described below 4 can be seen.

According to the embodiment in 2 In addition to a camera A10, the upper equipment unit A2 also has a first attraction device A7a, A7b arranged in sections along the first side A2a of the upper equipment unit A2 and along the second side A2b of the upper equipment unit A2, and the lower equipment unit A4 has one in sections along the first side A4a of the lower device unit A4 and arranged or formed along the second side A4b of the lower device unit A4 second attraction device A8a, A8b. The first attraction device A7a, A7b interacts with the second attraction device A8a, A8b by means of magnetic force. Alternatively and/or additionally, it can be provided that an attraction device is arranged on top of the upper device unit A2, also along the first side A2a of the upper device unit A2 and along the second side A2b of the upper device unit A2, so that the upper device unit in one tablet mode described below is held on the lower device unit A4.

3 shows a perspective view of a computer device according to the invention in an unfolded state according to laptop mode with a display device pivoted towards the user. In the present case, the input device A5 of the lower device unit A4 includes two touch-sensitive surfaces A9a, A9b, von in which a touch-sensitive surface A9a includes a sensor for gesture control of the computer device A1. The other touch-sensitive surface A9b, however, is designed as a virtual keyboard A11, which with reference to figure 5 is described.

According to a simple variant of the present invention, a hinge can be provided with a screw and a hand-operated head to lock by tightening or loosening the screw through the knob. More advantageous, however, are cylindrical hinges to reinforce the angular position of the telescopic slides, as described with reference to FIG 8a, 8b and 9 are described.

4 in a perspective view of a computer device according to the invention in an unfolded state according to laptop mode with additional extended connecting elements. In the present case, the first connecting element A6a of the connecting device and the second connecting element A6b of the connecting device are each designed as telescopic rails. So that the manually set position of the respective telescopic rail is maintained, each of the telescopic rails includes a means of preventing movement, by means of which the telescopic rail automatically remains in a manually set position up to a definable acting force. As an alternative and/or in addition to this, it can also be provided that each of the telescopic rails has a fixing means for additionally fixing this position, for example a screw, so that even strong vibrations of the computer device do not cause any change in the set position.

figure 5 shows a plan view of an embodiment variant for a virtual keyboard A11 according to the invention. In the present case, the keyboard has a German keyboard layout, which is provided for the first touch-sensitive surface A9a. The virtual keyboard A11 can be designed as a backlight keyboard or as an e-ink keyboard.

6 shows a perspective view of a computer device according to the invention in poster mode, in which the upper device unit A2 and the lower device unit A4 are arranged side by side, the angle given between the upper device unit A2 and the lower device unit A4 being 180 degrees. The connecting element A6b extends along the side A2b of the upper Device unit A2 and the side A4b of the lower device unit A4. This mode is particularly advantageous if the input device A5, embodied as an e-ink keyboard, for example, is also provided for outputting information, since in this way information is reproduced over the entire surface of the upper device unit A2 and the lower device unit A4 can, in particular if the input device A5 is in one piece (corresponding to 4 ) is trained.

7 shows a perspective view of a computer device according to the invention in tablet mode, in which the upper device unit A2 is pivoted through 180 degrees and is arranged on the lower device unit A4. By means of attraction devices A8a, A8b arranged on the lower device unit A4 along the first side A4a and along the second side A4b and correspondingly arranged on the upper side of the upper device unit A2, also along the first side A2a of the upper device unit A2 and along the second side A2b of the With the attraction devices arranged in the upper apparatus unit A2, the upper apparatus unit A2 and the lower apparatus unit A4 are firmly held together. The input device A5 of the lower device unit A4 is preferably switched to inactive so that it does not interfere in tablet mode, as is the case, for example, with solutions known from the prior art with a 360-degree hinge firmly arranged between the upper and lower device unit.

Figure 8a shows a perspective view of a cylinder hinge A12 according to a first embodiment. In accordance with the simplified representation, the inner cylinder A12b is partially pulled out of the outer cylinder A12a in order to clarify the given mechanism. According to the invention, the joints in the form of cylinder hinges A12 and thus the telescopic rails acting as a connecting device are advantageously attached at the rear end of the sides A4a, A4b of the lower equipment unit A4 and in the middle position of the sides A2a, A2b of the upper equipment unit A2.

Figure 8b shows the cylinder hinge according to FIG Figure 8a , with the waveform heavily emphasized to clarify the mechanism. Accordingly, the angle can be locked by turning it in 14 different positions, so that a gradation in angles of about 25 degrees is possible. Alternatively, a finer or a coarser gradation can be selected.

9 shows a perspective view of a cylinder hinge according to a second embodiment. According to this alternative solution, a stepless, smooth adjustment is made possible. The constructive solution comprises two magnetic pins A13a, A13b arranged in an outer cylinder A12a, of which a first pin A13a is connected to a side A4a, A4b of the lower device unit A4 or to a side A2a, A2b of the upper device unit A2 and a second Pin A13b is connected to the connector. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the outer cylinder A12a is attached to one side A4a, A4b of the lower device unit A4 or to one side A2a, A2b of the upper device unit A2 and furthermore only one pin arranged in the outer cylinder A12a is provided, which correspondingly connected to the connecting device.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawing and the exemplary embodiments explained in connection with these only serve to explain the invention and are not restrictive for it.

Reference list:

A1

computing device

A2

upper unit

A2a, A2b

sides of the upper unit

A3

display device

A4

lower unit

A4a, A4b

sides of the lower unit

A5

input device

A6a, A6b

fastener

A6a-1, A6b-1

first end

A6a-2, A6b-2

second end

A7a, A7b

first attraction device

A8a, A8b

second attraction device

A9a, A9b

touch-sensitive surface

A10

camera

A11

virtual keyboard

A12

cylinder hinge

A12a

outer cylinder

A12b

inner cylinder

A13a

inner pen

A13b

outer pin

Claims (14)

1. A portable computing device (A1) comprising

   - an upper device unit (A2) having a display device (A3),

   - a lower device unit (A4) having an input device (A5),
   and

   - a connecting device for connecting the upper device unit (A2) to the lower device unit (A4), comprising

   - a first connecting element (A6a), which is pivotably attached with a first end (A6a-1) to a first side (A2a) of the upper device unit (A2) and with a second end (A6a-2) to a first side (A4a) of the lower device unit (A4), in each case a pivotability of up to 360 degrees being given, and

   - a second connecting element (A6b), which is pivotably attached with a first end (A6b-1) to a second side (A2b) of the upper device unit (A2) and with a second end (A6b-2) to a second side (A4b) of the lower device unit (A4), in each case a pivotability of up to 360 degrees being given,

   wherein the first connecting element (A6a) and the second connecting element (A6b) are each telescopically adjustable such that the length of the connecting device is adjustable.
2. The computing device (A1) according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting element (A6a) of the connecting device and the second connecting element (A6b) of the connecting device are each formed as a telescopic rail.
3. The computing device (A1) according to claim 2, wherein said telescopic rail comprises a fixing means for fixing a manually set position.
4. The computing device (A1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the telescopic rail comprises a heavy running means by which the telescopic rail automatically remains in a manually set position up to a definable acting force.
5. The computing device (A1) according to claim 4, wherein the heavy running means comprises a rubber profile and/or a hydraulic device.
6. The computing device (A1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper device unit (A2) comprises a first attraction device (A7a, A7b) arranged or formed at least in sections along the first side (A2a) of the upper device unit (A2) and along the second side (A2b) of the upper device unit (A2), the lower device unit (A4) has a second attraction device (A8a, A8b) arranged or formed at least in sections along the first side (A4a) of the lower device unit (A4) and along the second side (A4b) of the lower device unit (A4), and the first attraction device (A7a, A7b) cooperates with the second attraction device (A8a, A8b).
7. The computing device (A1) according to claim 6, wherein cooperating the first attracting device (A7a, A7b) with the second attracting device (A8a, A8b) is provided by means of magnetic force.
8. The computing device (A1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a cylinder hinge (A12) is provided for connecting the respective end (A6a-1, A6a-2, A6b-1, A6b-2) of the respective connecting element (A6a, A6b) to the upper device unit (A2) and to the lower device unit (A4), respectively.
9. The computing device (A1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display device (A3) is designed to be touch-sensitive and is additionally provided for inputting information.
10. The computing device (A1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the input device (A5) of the lower device unit (A4) comprises at least one touch-sensitive surface (A9a, A9b).
11. The computing device (A1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive surface (A9a) of the input device (A5) of the lower device unit (A4) comprises a sensor for gesture control of the computing device (A1).
12. The computing device (A1) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the at least one touch-sensitive surface (A9b) of the input device (A5) of the lower device unit (A4) comprises a virtual keyboard, wherein the virtual keyboard is preferably a backlight keyboard or an e-ink keyboard.
13. The computing device (A1) according to claim 12, wherein the input device (A5) configured as an e-ink keyboard is additionally provided for outputting information.
14. The computing device (A1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that this provides a data processing system for ergonomic interaction of a user with data, preferably a man-machine interface for providing information and/or control elements with regard to an interaction of a user with data.

Images